Silicon Laboratories Inc.
ENHANCED POWER-SAVING MODE IN SYSTEMS PROVIDING POWER OVER TRANSMISSION LINES

Abstract:

A technique establishes a powered link over a transmission line. The technique includes, after determination of a power level to be provided to a powered device coupled to the transmission line, providing an output signal having a power-saving signal level to the transmission line until detecting an event. The event may be a power-up or a disconnect of the powered device. The technique may further include changing the output signal from the power-saving signal level to the powered-mode output signal level. The technique may include providing the powered-mode output signal level until detecting a disconnect of the powered device. The technique may include providing a second output signal to an additional powered device coupled to an additional transmission line until detecting the event. The technique may include changing the second output signal from the power-saving signal level to a second powered-mode output signal level synchronous with changing the output signal.